Quick & Easy Crime Deterrents

If your heading out on a summer vacation or just want to feel a little safer in your home here are some crime deterrents sure to put your mind at ease.

When your at home:

Neighborhood watch: these meetings can be a valuable method for sharing information and spreading the word of recurring incidents. Members are likely to be much more aware of warning signs that can help prevent crimes. It's also a good way to meet your neighbors.

Security systems: home monitoring devices can help alert authorities of break-ins and allow response teams to be dispatched quickly. If you cannot afford a security system, placing a security companies sign in your yard is an effective and economical approach.

Dogs: canines remain one of the most effective ways to prevent crimes.Even smaller dogs can be great ways to scare off criminals by barking and alerting you of trouble. If you don't have a dog, simply posting a warning sign or leaving a dog bowl at your doorstep can work.

Exterior lighting: bright lighting outside the entrances will prevent most criminals from attempting to enter your home. Motion sensors along your side yards will startle any trespassers and will also alert you by grabbing your attention.

Panic button: if you car has a car alarm, keep your keys handy. Triggering your car's panic button is a great way to frighten off someone who is lurking on your property or attempting to break-in.

When you on vacation:

Short term: leave a radio or TV on; have a neighbor park in your driveway; give a key to a trusted neighbor or relative and refrain from leaving it under the mat; leave lights on for the evening; make sure the stove, range top and irons are off, have neighbors pick up your mail and newspaper.

Long term: use timers on lights, TVs and stereos at random times; hire a house-sitter to watch your home; ask neighbors to remove flyers and packages; turn your phone's ringer to low so a burglar will not be alerted of your absence; arrange for yard care; stop incoming mail and newspaper.

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